[Raymond]

Originally Posted by MechanicGuy

By "just" I assume the original poster means they are NOT starting/chopping the clock.

As for not counting the backcourt, if there is no pressure I don't have a visible count. I keep one mentally in case something odd happens, but I don't feel the need to swing my arm 4-5 times when there is a near 100% certainty the ball is crossing well before a violation.

Originally Posted by BillyMac

Thanks MechanicGuy. I reread the post and now it makes more sense. Sorry Zoochy.

While I realize that timekeepers, in most circumstances, are probably watching the ball and not the administering official's "chop" on almost all throwins, for almost all officials it's an "automatic" signal, embedded deeply in our DNA over many years of experience. Don't understand why an official would avoid doing it?

The "chop" is done with the same hand that does the count, but instead of a chopping motion, a fist is formed just above shoulder level while flexing the bicep.